This 'concert of a lifetime' salutes Levon Helm

The first Woodstock show was one. George Harrison’s “Concert for Bangladesh” and the Band’s “Last Waltz” were others.

But those all took place in the 1960s and 1970s, featuring some of the biggest artists of the time.

On Wednesday, another show that may join the ranks of those legendary concerts is “Love for Levon,” which salutes The Band’s late drummer Levon Helm.

It takes place at the Izod Center just off Exit 16W of the New Jersey Turnpike in East Rutherford and benefits Helm’s estate, as well as preserves the barn in which he gave his “midnight ramble” jam concerts in recent years.

Helm was one of four vocalists in The Band, which originated Americana/roots music in the late-1960s and hit the pop charts with the singles “The Weight,” “Up on Cripple Creek,” “Rag Mama Rag” and “Don’t Do It.”

The group had started out backing Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan and backed Dylan once again on his now-legendary 1974 concert tour.

The Band’s influence was so deeply felt — as was Helm’s solo work — that the roster for this show looks like a who’s who of Grammy, Dove, CMA and ACM award winners.Scheduled to perform so far are Roger Waters, Bruce Hornsby, Joe Walsh, John Mayer, My Morning Jacket, Eric Church, Lucinda Williams, Marc Cohn, Robert Randolph, Ray LaMontagne, Gregg Allman, Patty Griffin, Dierks Bentley, Warren Haynes, John Hiatt, Jorma Kaukonen and Mavis Staples.

And if those aren’t enough, some surprise guests are expected — perhaps Bob Dylan, perhaps the surviving Band members — while Larry Campbell and Don Was are serving as co-musical directors.

Expect lots of Band and Helm songs in various groupings, some classic rock and country songs and an appearance by the Levon Helm Band.

Show time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $50 to $225. Information: 800-745-3000.

IN THE POCKET

Another benefit show with another drummer at its center.

Hooters drummer David Uosikkinen has been gathering some of the best oldies Delaware Valley artists have created over the years, has re-recorded them with all-star lineups and is putting them into a collection titled “In the Pocket: The Essential Songs of Philadelphia.”

Not yet an album, “In the Pocket” thus far consists of six songs, released periodically over the last couple of years for download, with some of the proceeds benefiting Philadelphia’s Settlement School of Music.

The newest song in the set is a cover of the Trammps’ “Disco Inferno.” Performing on the track with Uosikkenin and lending some authenticity to it is TJ Tindall, the song’s original guitarist. He appears alongside Hooters members Rob Hyman and Fran Smith Jr., the Soul Survivors, rapper Schooly D and “Rain’s” singer Graham Alexander, who played Paul McCartney.

Uosikkinen’s In the Pocket show, scheduled for Tuesday at World Café Live at 3025 Walnut St. in Philadelphia, begins with a video documentary about the making of “Disco Inferno,” followed by a concert which will include the other “Essential” songs “Open My Eyes,” “All My Mondays,” “You Can’t Sit Down,” “Soon You’ll Be Gone” and “Change Reaction.”

Expect to hear some other rock favorites and to be treated to some guest stars.

Show time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20. Information: 215-222-1400.

NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND

I’ve said it before, but great double-bills are my favorite shows.

Put two hot bands together that are of the same ilk and you have the makings of a lasting concert memory.

This week’s best twin-bill features the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Asleep at the Wheel performing at Harrah’s Philadelphia at 777 Harrah‘s Blvd. in Chester.

Both are long-lived country bands that have done well on the charts but still seek new directions, even after decades together.

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, which still features three original members after five decades in the business, issued “Speed of Life” in 2009, with the songs “Tulsa Sounds Like Trouble to Me,” “Lost in the Pines,” “Amazing Love” and “Good to Be Alive.” Expect to hear some of those at this country/pop/folk/bluegrass show, along with classics like “Mr. Bojangles,” “An American Dream,” “Will the Circle be Unbroken” and “Fishin’ in the Dark.”

Country swing band Asleep at the Wheel first charted in 1974, but hit it big in 1975 with “The Letter That Johnny Walker Read” (No. 10). Since then, the group has changed members frequently, with Ray Benson remaining the only original performer. Along the way, the band has found success teaming up with other acts like the Dixie Chicks and Brooks & Dunn.

The band’s last two albums continue that trend, with “It’s a Good Day” (2010) featuring Leon Rausch and “Willie and the Wheel” (2009) showcasing Willie Nelson.

Newer songs “Truck Driver’s Blues,” “Osage Stomp,” “Hesitation Blues” and “Sugar Moon” should fit in well with previous chart singles “Bump Bounce Boogie,” “House of Blue Lights” and “Miles and Miles of Texas.”

Show time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 to $45. Information: 800-480-8020.

FESTEVIL

This is a first for South Jersey — a metal-core festival concert featuring more than 18 bands.

It starts Saturday morning at Six Flags Great Adventure at Route 537 in Jackson.

Labeled FestEvil, the all-day affair features Escape the Fate frontman Ronnie Radke’s new group Falling in Reverse, as well as the bands We Came as Romans, Born of Osiris, Norma Jean, Texas in July, I the Breather, My Ticket Home, Palisades, Horizons, Visions, First of the Fallen, Dream for Tomorrow, Famous Last Words, I Am King, Darkness Descends, Our Last Night, Knuckle Up and The Air I Breathe.

Other acts are expected to be added.

Show time: 11 a.m. Tickets: $49.99. Information: 732-928-2000.

CONCERT CANCELED

The Doo-Wop Extravaganza scheduled for Saturday at the Tower Theater has been canceled. Refunds are available at the point of purchase.

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